VenHub Global has inked agreements to place its autonomous smart stores in multifamily housing and on college campuses as it seeks to build on its installed base in transit centers in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Multifamily residential complex adds VenHub Smart Store

Today, VenHub expected to begin site preparation at a multifamily residential complex in Las Vegas, ahead of a planned November 11 installation of a VenHub Smart Store. The store will give complex residents access to snacks, beverages and household essentials.

Convenience services operators in many urban markets are offering property owners and managers smart coolers and modern vending technologies to provide amenities that enhance the resident experience. The stand-alone VenHub Smart Store uses robotics, AI-driven inventory management and mobile-first checkout to provide an autonomous shopping experience. The company says the integrated monitoring function in VenHub Smart Stores adds a round-the-clock security presence on the property.

The Las Vegas installation follows VenHub Global’s announcement earlier this month that it plans to deploy its smart store technology at Penn Lofts, a new 59-unit multifamily development in Bend, Ore. The technology provider says it is working with the developer to integrate the autonomous store into the community’s plans.

“Multifamily residential communities represent a significant growth opportunity for VenHub, and we are seeing increasing demand from developers and property owners who recognize the value of bringing autonomous retail directly into their communities,” said Shahan Ohanessian, founder and CEO of VenHub, in a release. “Residents increasingly expect convenience to be built into where they live.”

Campus deal inked

On October 26, VenHub announced its partnership with Follett Higher Education, an educational service provider and campus retailer, to place VenHub Smart Stores at Follett-served campuses. The companies will plan each installation with the university or college and tailor it to its needs.

VenHub and Follett anticipate placing smart stores near residence halls, student centers, athletic facilities, arenas, transit areas and satellite campuses, offering convenience products, everyday essentials, officially licensed school apparel, accessories and gifts, and seasonal and game-day merchandise.

The smart stores would supplement Follett’s existing physical and digital stores, extending access during evenings, weekends and campus events.

“Our partnership with VenHub provides an opportunity to extend the campus retail experience beyond the campus store,” said Emmanuel Kolady, CEO of Follett Higher Education, in a release.

The companies did not identify participating institutions, a deployment schedule or the number of planned campus stores. The initial focus is on U.S. campuses, with potential international expansion over time.